"A Marine Corps official said Tuesday that there are military contracts available for companies that produce lightweight gear that saves energy and water on the battlefield.

Marine MajGen Thomas Conant, commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said that Marines in Afghanistan struggle with heavy equipment and fuel — lugging an average of 120 pounds of gear in the desert heat.

“If you’re a small business and you have an idea about weight reduction, you can probably help in the future,” he said.